Sadly, I've had quite a few devs. email me and say the same thing. Ronen from BerryReviewcomments:

"The one common thread I have heard from everybody is that the system favors those who have an inside connection. Many of the top applications you know of for the BlackBerry are developed by ex-RIM employees or companies that have a strong insider connection to RIM."

Surrounded by such people, RIM probably gets told all the time by their close partners that developing for the BlackBerry is just super if only to ensure the continuation of "The Old Boys Club".

This time however I think an opportunity may exist for these issues to be seen by people who would not usually see them, which is why it's important that we get some support to show them things do need to change dramatically.